Category Leader

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts and documents market research and supplier risk analysis to verify the financial health of existing and potential suppliers.
• Maintains category plans.
• Develops and reviews supplier performance data, working collaboratively with suppliers to drive ongoing value discovery.
• Develops and sustains mutually beneficial strategic relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 IT software and hardware suppliers.
• Leads cross-functional teams through the strategic sourcing process and the development and execution of negotiation strategies for mid-complexity spend categories.
• Leads the development of category strategies of medium complexity.
• Maintains awareness of industry and market trends through ongoing research.
• Serves as the subject matter expert for specific commodities or services.

Skills

• Develops and manages one or more sourcing spend categories and oversees a delegated portion of Tier 1 and Tier 2 software and hardware contracts.
• Develops strategic category plans to optimize cost savings, service excellence, diversity spend, and total cost of ownership.
• Effectively influences Lines of Business (LOBs), including senior leadership, to achieve understanding, acceptance, and commitment to sourcing strategies.
• PARTNERS WITH LOBS TO DEVELOP SOURCING STRATEGIES AND NEGOTIATE MAJOR CONTRACTS.
• PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN THE SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT (SRM) AND SUPPLIER SCORECARD PROCESS.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Technical Competencies

• Ability to analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources and apply sound judgment to reach appropriate conclusions.
• Ability to apply contract processes, procedures, and relevant contract and licensing requirements (e.g., ESC, IBEW, tort law, contract law) as needed to perform the role.
• Ability to work independently with limited oversight.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Competency in building relationships and communicating effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Competency in building partnerships and collaborating with others to achieve shared objectives.
• Competency in building strong-identity teams that leverage diverse skills and perspectives to accomplish common goals.
• Knowledge of the technical and functional aspects of the trade, occupation, or role as required.
• Ability to apply project management theories, concepts, methods, best practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of database and information systems, including SCADA, EMS, OMT, OIS, SAP, ERP, COSO, Teradata, COBIT, and Question Mark, as required for the role.

Education

• Minimum Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Preferred Master's degree in Business Administration or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Licenses/Certifications

• PREFERRED CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN SUPPLY MANAGEMENT (CPSM) – INSTITUTE FOR SUPPLY MANAGEMENT (ISM).
• LEAN SIX SIGMA (LSS) CERTIFICATION.

Experience

• Minimum Seven (7) years of experience in supply chain or a related field.
• Preferred Experience in contract management.
• Eight (8) years of experience in strategic sourcing.
• Eight (8) years of experience in procurement or a related field.